GMDSS: GLOBAL MARITIME DISTRESS and SAFETYSYSTEM

GMDSS is a global Communications service based on automated systems, both

satellite-based and terrestrial, for providing distress alerting and promulgation of MSI
(maritime safety information) to mariners.
GMDSS was implemented on 01.02.1999
GMDSS is also known as SOLAS communication equipment and comprisesfollowing:
• Inmarsat SESs
• VHF, MF and HF DSC radios
• MSI receivers such as NAVTEX and SafetyNET
• Portable VHF radios
• EPIRBs
• SARTs

Acknowledgement of DSC distress alert by use of DSC is normally made byRCC or CRS
ONLY.

Ships receiving a DSC Alert on VHF or MF are not permitted to relay the call by DSC
under any circumstances (they may relay by other means).
Ship receiving a DSC alert from another ship on any of the HF DSC frequencies shall
NOT acknowledge, shall watch appropriate RT and Telex frequencies and if alert not
acknowledged by coast station within 5 minutes and no distress communication heard
between a coast station and the ship in distress, then the receiving station must relay
the distress alert ashore by any means to coast stations ONLY.

IAMSAR:
The acronym stands for International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue
Manual. It is a joint publication of ICAO and IMO. Its purpose is to assist States in
meeting their own SAR need and fulfilling obligations accepted under the International
Conventions. It has three volumes. Each volume deals with specific SAR system duties
and may be used independently or in conjunction with other volumes to understand
the full system of SAR.

Page 1 of 12
VOLUME I: Organization and Management:
It discusses global SAR concept, establishment and improvement of national and
regional SAR systems and in this regard cooperation with neighboring states to
achieve effective, efficient and economical results.

VOLUME II: Mission Coordination:

It assists personnel who plan and coordinate SAR operations and exercises.

VOLUME III: Mobile Facilities:

It is intended to be carried aboard rescue units, aircrafts and vessels to help
performance of SAR duties as support members, OSC (on-scene coordinator)
functions and SAR aspects involving their own emergencies. Thus it provides guidance
on SAR aspects to all these three categories.

CONTENTS OF VOL III:

Abbreviations and Acronyms
Glossary
Section I : Overview
Section II: Rendering assistance
Section III: On scene coordination
Section IV: On board emergencies
APPENDIX A: Regulation V / 10- of SOLAS
APPENDIX B: Search Action Message
APPENDIX C: Factors affecting observer effectiveness
APPENDIX D: Standard format for SITREP
APPENDIX E: SAR briefing and debriefing form

Important abbreviations and definitions:

ACO: AIRCRAFT COORDINATOR: A person who coordinates theinvolvement
of multiple aircraft in SAR operations.
TAS: TRUE AIR SPEED: Speed of air craft through air mass. TAScorrected for
wind speed gives ground speed.
SC: SEARCH and rescue COORIDINATOR: SCs are top level SAR mangers. Each
state may have one or more SCs, who could be person or an agency.

Page 2 of 12
OSC: ON SCENE COORDINATOR: Person who is designated to coordinate search
and rescue within a specified area.
RCC: RESCUE COORDINATION CENTRE: A unit responsible for promoting
efficient organization of SAR services and for coordinating the conduct of SAR
operations within a SAR region.
ARCC: AERONAUTICAL RCC: An RCC dealing with aeronautical SARincidents.
MRCC: MARITIME RCC: An RCC dealing with maritime SAR incidents.
JRCC: JOINT RCC: An RCC responsible for both aeronautical and maritime SAR
incidents.
RSC: RESCUE SUB CENTRE: A unit subordinate to a RCC established to
complement the latter according to particular provisions of the responsible
authorities.
RESCUE: An operation that comprises of retrieval of persons in distress, providing for
their medical and other needs and finally delivery to place of safety.
SEARCH ACTION PLAN: Message, normally developed by the SMC for passing
instructions to SAR facilities and agencies participating in a SAR mission.
RESCUE ACTION PLAN: A plan for rescue operations normally preparedby the SMC
for implementation by OSC and facilities on-scene.
SITREP: Situation Report. It gives information about on-scene mission progress and
conditions.SITREPs are used by SAR facilities to keep OSC informed, and by OSC to
keep SMC informed and by SMC to keep superiors, RCCs and RSCs informed The
standard format of SITEP is givenin Appendix D of Volume III.
SMC: SAR MISSION COORDINATOR: The official temporarily assigned to
coordinate response to an actual or apparent distress situation.
SRR: SAR REGION: An area of defined dimensions, associated with a RCC, within
which SAR services are provided.
SRU: SEARCH and RESCUE UNIT: A unit composed of trained personnel and
provided with equipment suitable for the expeditious conduct of SAR operations.
SART: SEARCH AND RESCUE TRANSPONDER: A survival craft
transponder that, when activated, sends out a signal automatically when a pulse from
a nearby radar reaches it. The signal appears on the interrogating radar screen and
gives the bearing and distance of the transponder from the interrogating radar for SAR
purposes.

Page 3 of 12
TS: TRACK SPACING: Most search patterns consist of parallel tracks or sweeps
covering a rectangular area. The distance between adjacent parallel search tracks is
known as track spacing. The track spacing is used in all search patterns except for
sector search pattern, It is denoted by “ S ”.
DATUM: A geographic point, line or area used as a reference in search planning.
CES: COAST EARTH STASTION: Maritime name for an INMARSAT shore-based
station linking SESs with terrestrial communication networks.
CSP: COMMENCE SEARCH POINT: Point, normally specified by the SMC, where a
SAR facility is to begin its search pattern.
LUT: LOCAL USER TERMINAL: It is an earth receiving station that receives beacon
signals relayed by Cospas-Sarsat satellites, processes themto determine the location
of the beacons and forward the signals.
COSPAS SARSAT SYSTEM: A satellite system designed to detect distress beacons
transmitting on frequencies 121.5 MHz and 406 MHz
ELT: EMERGENCY LOCATOR TRANSMITTER: Aeronautical radio distress
beacon for alerting and transmitting homing signals.
SafertyNET: Communications service provided via Inmarsat forpromulgation of MSI,
including shore to ship relays of distress alerts and communication for SAR.
AMVER: AUTOMATED MUTUAL assistance VEssel RESCUE system: A
world-wide vessel reporting system for SAR for maintaining estimated position and
other data of merchant vessels that participate on voluntary basis. The system fully
supports the SAR and is free of charge for participating vessels and RCCs. Many land-
based communication service providers too, world-wide, relay ship reports to AMVER
free.
The confidentiality of the information provided voluntarily by ships is maintained by
USCG and is only revealed to SAR authorities or to others authorized by ships involved.
Any merchant vessel more than 1000 gross tons and on any voyage of more than 24
hours can participate. The participation in AMVER has obvious benefits and must be
encouraged by ship managers and owners:
• Quicker response to call for assistance
• Better chances of reaching aid in shorter time to site of distress
• Lesser number calls for assistance to vessels not in position to assist

STRUCTURE:

SAR ORGANISATION:
It could be national or regional in nature and is looked after by one or more SCs (SAR
Coordinators).
SCs are top level SAR managers having overall responsibility. (VOLUME I)

Page 4 of 12
RCCs & RSCs: (RESCUE COORDINATION CENTERS
AND RESCUE SUB-CENTERS):
They are established by SCs. Each RCC has its own area with well defined dimensions,
known as SRR (SAR Region) and RSC has its own SRS (SAR Sub-Region). Maritime SRRs
are depicted by IMO and Aeronautical SRRs are depicted by ICAO. RCC could be MRCC
or ARCC or JRCC.

SMC (SAR MISSION COORDINATOR):

During SAR incident RCC chief or his designee takes the role of SMC. This function is
temporary and lasts only for the duration of the incident. Because of the close
proximity in the nature of work, RCC and SMC are used interchangeably. SMC makes
search action plan, rescue action plan, specifies CSP, coordinates the operation with
adjacent RCCs when appropriate, and prepares final reports among other SAR related
duties.

OSC (ON SCENE COORDINATOR):

If SMC is not designated OSC performs additional duties of SMC till the times SMC is
deputed. Normally this duty carried out by ship master unless more capable SRU is
available. Among its duties are: Receive search & rescue action plans from SMC or
make them himself if no SMC is deputed. Make SITREPS. Coordinate on scene
communications and operations of all SAR facilities.

Thus, SAR has three levels of coordination:

Level 1: SAR COORDINATORS (SCs):

They are top level SAR managers. Each state will have one or more personsor agencies.
They have overall responsibility for:
1. Establishing, staffing, equipping & managing SAR system.
2. Establishing RCCs & RSCs.
3. Providing or arranging for SAR facilities.
4. Coordinating SAR training.
5. Developing SAR policies

Level 2: SAR MISSION COORDINATOR:

Each SAR operation is carried out under the guidance of an SMC. This function exists
only for the duration of a specific SAR incident and is normally performed by the RCC
chief or a designee. The SMC may have assisting staff. SMC’s duties include:
1. Obtain and evaluate all data on emergency.
2. Ascertain type of emergency equipment carried by distressed craft.
3. Remain informed of prevailing environmental conditions.

Page 5 of 12
 4. Plot the areas to search and decide on methods and facilities to beused.
5. Develop the search action plan and rescue action plan.
6. Coordinate the operation with adjacent RCCs when appropriate.
7. Arrange for delivery of supplies for survivors.
8. Maintain accurate and chronological record.
9. Issue progress reports.
10. Recommend to RCC chief the abandoning/suspending of the search.
11.Release SAR facilities when assistance no longer required.
12.Prepare a final report

Level 3: ON SCENE COORDINATOR:

Duties of OSC will include: When two or more SAR facilities are working together on
the same mission,one person on-scene may be needed to coordinate the activities of
all participating facilities. The SMC designates an OSC, who may be the personin charge
of a:
Ø SRU, ship or aircraft participating in search, or nearby facility in position to
handle OSC duties.
Ø The person in charge of the first facility to arrive at the scene will normally
assume the OSC function until the SMC arranges for the person to be relieved.

1. Coordinate operations of all SAR facilities on-scene.

2. Receive search action plan or rescue action plan from the SMC or plan the
same, if no plan is otherwise available.
3. Coordinate on scene communications. SAR facilities will normally report to
OSC. SAR facilities should be in possession of a copy of International Code of
Signals,
4. Monitor the performance of other participating facilities.
5. Make periodic situation reports (SITREPs).
6. Maintain a detailed record of the operation.
7. Maintain communication with SMC

RENDERING ASSISTANCE:

On receiving a distress message, following immediate action should betaken:

ü Acknowledge distress message
ü If possible, gather relevant information from craft in distress (position,type and
identity of craft, type of cargo onboard, POBs, nature of distress, type of
assistance required etc.)

Page 6 of 12
 ü Maintain continuous listening watch on international distress frequencies.
ü Maintain communication with distressed craft and convey relevant information
about own vessel (Position, identity and speed of own vessel, ETA to site of
distress etc.)
ü Use all available means to be aware of the latest position of the distressed craft.
ü On reaching closer post extra look outs to keep the craft in sight.
ü Establish contact with SMC and convey all information, updating, as necessary.

PLANNING AND CONDUCTING THE SEARCH:

SEARCH ACTION PLAN:

Example of Search Action Plan message is given in Appendix B of IAMSAR Volume III.
SAP is prepared by SMC and implemented by OSC and SAR facilities. SAP may be
modified by OSC, under the authority of SMC, as per prevailing conditions. Search
Action Plan message consists of six parts:
• Situation
• Search area
• Execution
• Coordination required
• Communications
• Reports

RESCUE ACTION PLAN:

Rescue Action Plan is also prepared by SMC for implementation by OSC and SAR
facilities. The plan may be conveyed in Rescue Action message.At times, however,
the plan may also be prepared by OSC.
The parts of the RAP message are exactly similar to those for SAP message except that
“Search area” is replaced by “Rescue area”.

DATUM:
For planning the search, datum is established, which depends on:
• Reported position and time of the SAR incident
• Time interval between incident and arrival of SAR facilities
• Estimated movement of distressed craft due to drift

TRACK SPACING (S):

Most search patterns consist of parallel tracks or sweeps covering a rectangular area.
The difference between adjacent tracks is called the track spacing.

Page 7 of 12
Recommended uncorrected TSs are provided in IAMSAR manual along with
correction factors which depend on weather conditions and search object.
Uncorrected TS is multiplied by correction factor to get the recommended correct
TS.TS does not apply to sector search pattern. TS is denoted by S. S is given by:
S = SU x f w
Where SU is TS uncorrected and fw is weather correction factor.Uncorrected TS is
given in tabular form for different search objects for different meteorological
visibilities. There are three tables, one each for merchant vessel, helicopters and fixed
wing aircrafts. Maximum value of fw is 1 which is for normal weather (i.e. Su = S) and as
weather gets worse factor fw becomes less thus reducing value of S.

SEARCHING SPEED (V):

All search facilities should proceed at same speed as directed by OSC. This is normally
the maximum speed of the slowest ship. This speed may, however, have to be reduced
in restricted visibility.

SEARCH AREA (A):

Search radius is computed using 2 methods:

1. If search is to commence immediately, assume R = 10 NM

2. If time is available, compute the area as advised in following steps:
i. Compute area A, a certain craft can cover at a speed V in giventime T: A
= V x T x S; where S = TS , T = Time for whichcraft will search, V = Craft’s
speed
ii. The total area At which can be covered by several crafts is given by sum
total of areas covered by each craft:
At = A1 + A2 + A3 = A4 + ……………..
iii. If all crafts are searching at same speed for the same amount of time,
then:
At = NA; where N is the number of crafts involved.
iv. Search Area radius ( R ) is then given by:
_
R = √At / 2

v. Draw circle with datum as centre and R as radius. Draw tangents to the
circle to form square. If several search facilities are involved, then divide
the square into sub-areas and assign the sub-areas as appropriate to
different search facilities.

CHOICE OF SEARCH PATTERN:

Page 8 of 12
Search patterns and procedures must be preplanned so as to enable minimumdelay,
risks and maximum efficiency. Standard search patterns have been devised to meet
differing situations.
They are based on visual search and have been selected for simplicity and
effectiveness.
The OSC should obtain a search action plan from the SMC via theRCC or
RSC ASAP. OSC should keep the SMC informed at regular intervals and whenever the
situation has changed.
The choice of search pattern will be decided by following factors:

• Type and size of distressed craft.

• Meteorological visibility.
• Sea and weather conditions.
• Time of day or night.
• Time of arrival at datum and size of area to be searched.
• Number and type of assisting crafts available.

EXPANDING SQUARE SEARCH (SS):

1. It is most effective when location of object is known.

2. CSP is always the datum.
3. It is appropriate for small vessels and boats to search for survivors inwater
with little or no leeway.
4. Accurate navigation is required. First leg is usually oriented directlyinto the
wind to minimize navigational errors.
5. Area involved being small, the procedure must not be used by multiple
aircrafts at same altitudes or multiple sea crafts.

SECTOR SEARCH (VS):

1. It is most effective when position of search object is accurately known and
search area is small.
2. It is used to search a circular area centered on datum point. Due to small area
involved procedure must not be used simultaneously by multiple vessels/
aircrafts.
3. An aircraft and a vessel may be used together to perform independent sector
searches of same area.
4. A suitable marker (smoke float or radio beacon) may be dropped at datum
point for reference or navigational aid mark the center.

Page 9 of 12
 5. For vessels, search pattern radius is usually between 2 NM and 5 NM and turn
is 120 degrees, normally to starboard. For aircrafts the searchpattern radius is
usually between 5 NM and 29 NM.

TRACK LINE SEARCH (TS):

1. It is normally used when an aircraft or a vessel has disappearedwithout a trace
along a known route.
2. It is often used as initial search effort due to ease of planning and
implementation.
3. Consists of rapid and reasonably thorough search along intended routeof the
distressed craft.
4. Search may be along one side of track line and return in the opposite direction
on the other side (TSR: track line search, return).
5. Search may be along the intended track and once on each side, then , then
search finally continues on its way and does not return (TSN: track line search,
not return).
6. Aircrafts are frequently used for TS due to their high speed.

PARALLEL SWEEP SEARCH (PS):

1. It is used to search a large area when survivor location is not known.
2. Most effective over water or flat terrain.
3. The CSP is in one corner of the sub area, one half tracks inside therectangle
from each of the two sides forming the corner.
4. Search legs are parallel to each other and to the long sides of the subarea.
5. It can be used by 2, 3, 4, 5 or more ships.

CREEPING LINE SEARCH COORDINATED (CSC):

1. The aircraft does most of the searching, while ship steams along acourse
at a speed as directed by OSC.
2. It gives a higher probability of detection than can normally be attainedby an
aircraft searching alone.
3. Ship speed varies according to speed of aircraft and size of thepattern.

CONTOUR SEARCH (OS):

1. Used around mountains and in valleys when sharp changes inelevation make
other patterns not practical.

Page 10 of 12
 2. Search is started from highest peak and goes from top to bottom withnew
search altitude for each circuit.
3. Search altitude intervals may be 150m to 300m.
4. If the mountain cannot be circled, successive sweeps at the samealtitude
intervals as listed above should be flown along its side.
5. Valleys are searched in circles, moving the centre of the circuit onetrack
spacing after each completed circuit.

THE DIVERSION resulting from the receipt of a distress message can occur anytime
and anywhere; providing it is reasonable, all vessels within a hundred miles or so are
likely to respond, even at some increased risk to themselves. The degree of increased
risk that is acceptable is a matter of judgment, as there is no point in adding a second
casualty to the first.
A prompt response is an essential feature of the rescue missions. It
is also important not to overlook the need to assess the navigational problems arising
from the diversion, and allow for them, so as to minimize any risks. The route towards
the distress should be planned, taking into account the probability of proceeding at
max speed in less than ideal weather conditions or maneuvering in waters not normally
entered by the vessel.

RESPONSE: Vessel receiving distress message must proceed towards distress

position at their best speed, while reporting their action to the distressed vessel and/or
CRS handling the coordination. The closer presence of other vessels does not relieve
the master of his duty to respond. Meanwhile radio traffic should be monitored to
establish which other vesselsare responding.

ONBOARD PREPARATION: The period between first turning towards a distress

and arriving on the scene is valuable preparation time. With limited manpower on
merchant ships, division of labor and full briefing of key personnel will be important
feature of preparation time.

COORDINATING SAR: This is taken care of by RCC.

INTERSHIP COMMUNICATION: Channel 16 may be used for all distress traffic but
it is often preferable to conduct most of the organizational details on a working
channel while still monitoring channel 16.Where language difficulties exist, standard
phrases from standard maritimevocabulary should be used.

RESCUING SURVIVORS: The OSC coordinates the rescue action, directing the most
suitably equipped rescue units to move in. And other units stand by and assist as
required. When survivors are rescued, it is important that full details of the casualty

Page 11 of 12
are obtained quickly and passed to the OSC, so that the search is not called off
prematurely. Their medical and nutritionalneeds must also be made.

CONCLUSION OF SEARCH: The OSC must decide, in consultation withSMC, when

the rescue is completed and must inform assisting ships, thus relieving them of their
obligation to remain. The OSC should also inform theCRS of all relevant details. Before
leaving the scene of successful rescue, life rafts and lifejackets etc. should be retrieved
or sunk and other floating debris should be the subject of radio warning.
If search is unsuccessful and all reasonable hope of rescuing survivors has passed, the
OSC, in consultation with the SMC, will call off the search and dismiss assisting units. A
radio message asking all ships to keep look out is advisable.

NOTES: Aircraft can assist by dropping markers, smoke or flame floats, andsurvival
equipment, consisting of nine person dinghy and two bags of supplies. They can carry
out an air search, locate a casualty, keep it under observation and guide surface craft
to it. Flying-boats may be able to alight and pick up survivors. Helicopters may also pick
up survivors.

-----XXXXX-----

Page 12 of 12